Lord of the Storm

Scripture: Mark 4:35-41 (see also Matthew 8:23-27 and Luke 8:22-25)

One of our favorite spots in Israel is the Sea of Galilee. As Matthew 11:20 notes, “Jesus performed most of His miracles” in this area. You can stand almost anywhere around this famous body of water and read a story written by one of the Gospel writers.

Jesus and His disciples spent considerable time in this region and on the Sea of Galilee. Several of Jesus’ disciples were professional fishermen, so they were familiar with this body of water.

Photo by JR Ross on Unsplash

As evening came, Jesus said to his disciples, “Let’s cross to the other side of the lake.” So, they took Jesus in the boat and started out, leaving the crowds behind (although other boats followed). But soon, a fierce storm came up. High waves were breaking into the boat, and it began to fill with water.

- Mark 4:35-37 (NLT)

These men have spent their entire lives "working" on this sea. While they were not afraid of the water, this storm was different—fiercer than any they had faced before. The disciples realized their lives were in danger! Indeed, they may have been “men of the sea,” but Jesus is “the Lord of the storm.”

Three Gospel writers include this story in their accounts. As Matthew, Mark, and Luke present their narratives, readers gain insights and additional details about the story. They do not contradict each other; rather, they write from their distinct perspectives.

Matthew, the tax collector, lives in this region. Mark is writing for the Gentile audience, Roman readers in particular, so he provides details pertinent to this group. Luke, the Physician (possibly the only Gentile writer in the NT), provides geographic details to provide additional information for his audience.

Jesus was sleeping at the back of the boat with his head on a cushion. The disciples woke him up, shouting, “Teacher, don’t you care that we’re going to drown?” When Jesus woke up, he rebuked the wind and said to the waves, “Silence! Be still!” Suddenly, the wind stopped, and there was a great calm.

- Mark 4:38-39 (NLT)

All three authors tell us that Jesus is asleep. This is the only place where Jesus’ sleep is noted, although He did sleep. This could highlight Jesus' physical exhaustion while directing our attention to His calm peace, even during a fierce storm. Jesus is man, truly man (his physical exhaustion), and at the same time, He is God, truly God (complete emotional peace).

Mark tells us that Jesus is asleep with His head on a pillow. He appears to be sleeping soundly while a violent storm rages on the Sea of Galilee. The disciples are frightened. They wake Him up and exclaim, “Teacher, don’t You care that we are about to perish?” The wind is blowing with gale force, and the boat is taking on water.

Jesus awakens, wipes the water from His face, and looks directly at the thrashing sea waves. His voice speaks with firm authority: “Peace! Be still!” Immediately, the wind and waves obey the command of the Eternal Creator.

Then he asked them, “Why are you afraid? Do you still have no faith?” The disciples were absolutely terrified. “Who is this man?” they asked each other. “Even the wind and waves obey him!”

- Mark 4:40-41 (NLT)

As the storm ceases to rage, Jesus speaks to the disciples. “Why are you so afraid? Where is your faith?” I’m not sure they actually heard the words Jesus spoke to them. Now, they were overcome with a new wave of fear—they were terrified! The storm was over. The waves were calm. The wind had stopped.

Head to Heart

Jesus got into the boat and invited the disciples to join him. He extends this invitation to each of us, “Join me in the boat. Let’s go through life together.” Jesus knows every “storm” that will come, including all those in your life today.

I’m guilty of pleading with the Lord and exclaiming, “Do You not care that I am perishing?”

Let me suggest we hit the “Pause” button and recall the powerful words that Jesus spoke on the Sea of Galilee, “Why are you so afraid? Have you still no faith?”

Storms are part of this life. Our Savior walks with us through the storms. He has lessons for us to learn during the storms. He wants to help us strengthen our “faith muscles.”

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